The role of blankets is woven deep in the history of Native Americans. For centuries, they have been used for warmth and comfort, as a medium of exchange, for artistic expression and as an important part of ceremonies and tribal councils. Native Americans were Pendleton’s first customers. In the early 20th century, Pendleton was among the few American mills making blankets specifically for the Indian trade. Today, Pendleton continues to honor their original customers with unique designs that reflect on Native American history and culture.

Since 1909, Pendleton Woolen Mills has produced iconic woolens of incredible beauty and quality. The blankets are made in Pendleton’s American mills, where every step of the weaving process is completed, from carding and spinning to the weaving of yarn into fabric on high-speed looms. Pendleton’s first Indian trade blanket was produced in 1909 at the company’s mill in Oregon. The blankets were brought to Southwest Native American tribes and exchanged for silver jewelry, wool or other items of value. Pendleton designers drew upon traditional Native American patterns to create blankets that were more colorful and detailed than earlier trading blankets brought to the region. Southwestern Native American tribes used the blankets as apparel and as a standard of value for trading and credit. They were also prized for ceremonial uses, playing a part in dowries, weddings, gift giving, powwows, dance prizes, naming ceremonies, funerals and memorials. Still renowned for their intricate patterns and premium quality, Pendleton blankets are a unique collectible that can be passed down to future generations.
Read our Pendleton Collector's Guide.

At Shumakolowa Native Arts, we guarantee that your purchase is an original and authentic work handcrafted by Native American artists as defined by the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990. Our team of experts carefully inspects every product to guarantee it is handcrafted using traditional, sustainable processes and natural materials of only the highest quality. We work directly with artists or partner with trusted wholesalers who can provide documentation that their artists and artisans are of Native American heritage. We record the place and date of each purchase and pride ourselves in paying a fair price that allows artists to make a living practicing their craft. Every work of handcrafted art comes with a Certificate of Authenticity signed by an artist or buyer. At a time when many commercially-made products are being sold as handcrafted Native American art, we stand behind the authenticity of every unique piece of fine art we offer. For more than 35 years, we have developed lasting relationships with artists, dealers and collectors, and we take pride in being a trusted destination for fine Native American art.